The Medicare Open Enrollment period begins on October 15, and the Wayland Council on Aging will have SHINE Counselors available by appointment to help Medicare recipients sort out their options. Wayland residents who want to meet with a SHINE Counselor may begin calling the COA on Monday, September 18 to schedule an appointment. Out-of-towners may call beginning Tuesday, October 3. SHINE — Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone on Medicare — is a national program of highly trained, unbiased volunteers who provide free, confidential counseling on Medicare options.

Open Enrollment — October 15 through December 7 — is the period during which Medicare beneficiaries may be able to change plans. Premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and the drugs covered by supplemental plans can change significantly on January 1 each year. By the end of September enrollees should have received information about upcoming changes from their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan. It is important to understand and save this information.

The Wayland COA has several SHINE Counselors available during Open Enrollment to meet with clients in person, on Zoom, and by telephone. The appointment schedule fills steadily once we begin accepting calls, so if you’d like an appointment, don’t delay. Call the Council on Aging at 508-358-2990.